thanx

Thanxgiving: God tells us "In everything give thanks". That means the good, the bad, the ugly. Not only the material things but also life happenings. Several years ago, my mother-in-law (Della Ivester) was battling cancer and fought it for a few years. As she was coming to the losing end of that battle, I had a real hard time understanding why. Seems that we always ask why, even when it's not for us to understand. She had to be the best mother-in-law anyone could have. She treated me as one of her own. I argued with God for a long time about the reasons for taking a Godly women that meant so much to so many people. Eventually I concluded that I needed to be thankful for the time that God did give her on earth, taking solice in knowing where she would be eternally. One day during her last few weeks on earth, I wrote the following poem:

One More Day

Through seasons of joy, and seasons that were sad;

Through the times that were good, and the times that were bad;

We have memories so dear, memories of love.

For that one more day, we thank God above.

One more day to share, one more day to care;

Thank you God for that day.

Through seasons of bliss, and seasons of sorrow;

Through times full of cheer, and times full of woe;

We have memories to keep , memories of love.

For that one more day, we thank God above.

Through seasons of laughter, and seasons depressed;

Through times of wealth, and times of distress;

We have memories to come, memories of love.

For that one more day, we thank God above.

One more day to share, one more day to care;

Thank you God for that day.

fun

Just a short entry about music. I listen mostly to Southern Gospel but enjoy listening to anything that I can understand. This evening we had a fun night out with friends at a "Branson On The Road" show. The music, of course, was country (mostly old country). I believe that we were in a minority age wise, since most of the crowd were senior citizens. Even though it may not have been our favorite music, we enjoyed it. Last year at this time we enjoyed a Siberian Orchestra Concert which is basically Christmas Rock (very loud). I'm sure we were the oldest group there. On our last cruise, I spent several nights in the Kareoke Lounge listening to a bunch of people sing themselves silly, and it was very entertaining. When our sons were small, I got a kick out of putting a few rhyming words into a quick song on the road. In a few weeks we plan to go to The Powell Hall in St Louis for the Powell Hall Symphony Christmas Special and I'm sure that we will enjoy that, too. My point: I don't believe anyone can truly say that they like music unless they enjoy (or at least are willing to listen to) a variety of music. Whether you get caught up in the worship of hymns or get caught up in the excitement of rock, music is a great escape and can bring a bad mood to a good mood in a split second. We should all sing like we have the greatest voices ever. Or just listen and enjoy.

religion

Do executives of large charitable organizations make too much pay?
The most recent publication of "World" magazine listed the personal compensation of top officials for charities (highest 48). The article attached to the list seemed to make an opinion that these people do make too much money. They pointed out (strongly) the amount that Billy Graham III is paid by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse (two seperate organizations). Combined, he made 1.2 million dollars last year. In his defense Mr Graham noted that some numbers were carried over from the previous year, making the total to be more than normal. However, due to questioning coming from several directions, he has decided that he will no longer receive any compensation from the BGEA, leaving only the income from SP (almost 1/2 mil). This list of top 48 also included two other execs from those two charities. Other chariities on the list were the YMCA with a total combined compensation of execs to be $800,000; Trinity Broadcasting Network $800,000; and Christian Broadcasting Network $650,000. These are just a few of the several charities listed.
Again, the question is: Do these people make too much money?. And: Do we want to contibute to these charities when their execs make that kind of money. And: How much more could their charity do if the execs' pay was less and the difference was used for the charity itself? How many shoe boxes could be filled for Samaitan's Purse with Mr Graham's pay? And: If their position is a calling from God, did God plan for them to be rolling in the dough?
On the other hand though, if a pastor of a small local church makes 35,000 to 50,000 in total compansation, or if a pastor of a large church makes 75,000, is the pay for an exec of a large organization comparible. Think of all the things a pastor does, and then think of what one of these execs must have to do in their positions. Maybe their "job" duties justify their large compensation. Maybe 1.2 million dollars a year makes sense when you consider what Billy Graham III is doing through these two charities.
Either way, this makes a person stop and think when a charitable contribution is requested.

family

1 week with 2 grandkids :

- 3543 dirty diapers (seemed like that many)
- one & a half sleepless nights
- one baby nap interupted by a ringing phone (thanx Tammy)
- one afternoon with a lost pacifier
- at least one load of kid laundry each day
- one room with a floor covered in toys
- assorted toys scattered throughout the house
- no house cleaning accomplished (or any other chores)
- ear piercing screams from a little girl that has learned to scream
- watching the same videos over & over & over & over
- early morning risers (not one day to sleep past 7am)

Was it worth it. You bet. Even though I received several hugs & kisses,
just one hug would have made it worthwhile. Sorry for all of you out
there, but I have the best grandkids.